Users of public transportation across the country are trying to adjust to new, increased fares that have been approved for minibus operators. For many, it’s a formidable challenge, given small salaries and the inability to earn extra to cushion the effects. In reality, they have to pay more for transportation at the same income they receive. Since it is a cost they cannot negotiate or avoid, naturally, something will have to give.
To be placed in a situation where something will have to give when everything else may have already been given makes a bad situation worse. While it may not be a priority for them in the context of being preoccupied with their financial predicament, the increased fares don’t bring a change in the unacceptable attitudes of many of the minibus operators.
This has been a sore point over the years, and seems to have worsened despite pleas from the public. Sadly, it’s not just one area of concern, but it’s wide-ranging within the service they provide to commuters and in their interaction with other road users.
Much has been said about the loud and lewd music which all, including school children, are forced to endure on a daily basis. There is no respite, and any objection by commuters is met with disdain, disrespect, and wanton abuse in many cases. It appears that there is no consideration by these uncaring operators of the fact that they depend on the commuters for their livelihoods.
In a country that is slowly becoming more service-oriented, those who buy are given due importance as competitiveness increases. Maybe the time for competitiveness in public transportation, which many believe has passed, is now. The provision of this service is bread and butter for the operators and many owners; however, safety for road users and the provision of a better service cannot be continually disregarded.
In an age when the wheel is no longer invented, lessons can be leant from some Caribbean countries that have the service regularised. Templates can be borrowed from countries that have both private and Government-operated services. The power of choice not just empowers, in this case commuters, but brings competition that generally redounds to better services.
Of course, for some, there is the argument of preference for what is currently provided by the minibus operators. The bottom line is that they do not speak for everyone. Those who have been shamed for speaking up against loud and profanity-laced music crave a service or system that would bring them much-needed relief. Same for the elderly, same for those with illnesses, and same for those who are harassed and pressured – sometimes physically – into minibuses.
Some commuters, based on knowledge, tend to choose the minibus they wish to travel in, so as to reduce the likelihood of being exposed to the blaring music, and to some extent avoid being subjected to indiscriminate driving. But sometimes circumstance may not allow for this, given urgencies, weather, and other related factors. There is also the scenario of the appearance of a “peaceful” minibus before the journey commences; but afterwards the music booms, trapping commuters. While some would disembark, others may not, for good reasons.
In fairness to operators, some are trying to provide a proper service, have shown respect to commuters, and abide by traffic laws. They would have, over time, highlighted challenges faced, including those from touts. While one expectation would be for them to be more vociferous and advocate for change from within, it appears that the odds are stacked against them. From peer pressure and pressure to meet their daily targets, to influential owners of some minibuses, it is difficult for change to come from within.
Inappropriate modes of dress, running red lights, speeding, not returning change, some drinking while driving, cutting dangerously into the path of other drivers, demanding with their hands out that they must pass or get in front, carrying way in excess of the number of passengers legally allowed, and using roads that are not authorised as per their road service are some of the indiscretions commuters and other road users are forced to endure from many minibus operators.
Importantly, continuous exposure to high-decibel sound is a health risk, and this should be of concern to the relevant authorities with respect to the wellbeing of commuters. This is another front that can be used to bring some order to the situation. The seat-belt law and the law that prohibits smoking in public places are two important initiatives for safeguarding public safety and health that have been implemented.
What prevents a policy decision on loud music in public transportation? What prevents the enactment of other policy decisions to holistically regularise the minibus situation? Regularisation must be driven by the dire need to raise the standard of service and safety. It must not only be important for the creation of a friendly and caring image to tourists, but fundamentally to Guyanese, who daily toil and make sacrifices here to pay requisites fares.
The overriding consideration must be the welfare of the commuters; and if this is taken on board, much-needed change can be forthcoming without the need for lessons from elsewhere.
